Tigers teen prodigy Makasini open to rugby return after 2027
Heamasi Makasini has no regrets about his decision to choose league over union. However, he’ll have to make another choice between the rival codes soon.
ground.newsHere’s the latest on Heamasi Makasini and his Wests Tigers contract.
Core update
- Heamasi Makasini has extended with the Wests Tigers through the 2029 NRL season, keeping him at the club for two additional years beyond his prior deal. This confirms he will stay in the Tigers’ system at least until the end of 2029. The club’s announcement notes the extension as part of their plan for the youngster’s long-term development.[3][9]
Context and reactions
- The extension comes after Makasini returned to NRL action following a bone bruising foot injury, with the club highlighting his ongoing role in the future of the squad. Tigers coach Benji Marshall emphasized Makasini as a special talent integral to the club’s future during the announcement.[3]
- Prior reporting had identified Makasini as a highly-touted teenage prospect whose future with the Tigers was widely discussed in the context of potential moves to rugby union, though the Tigers publicly expressed desire to retain him.[4][6]
Additional background
- Makasini debuted in 2025 with a notable early impact and continued to show form into 2026, including strong early-season performances prior to his injury return. Multiple outlets have referenced his status as one of the Tigers’ brightest homegrown prospects and a key part of their plans beyond 2027, now extended to 2029.[5][3]
- At public-facing level, there has been ongoing discussion about whether Makasini might switch codes in the future, but the Tigers have clearly prioritized consistency and development within the NRL pathway for Makasini, at least through 2029.[6][3]
Illustrative note
- If you’re tracking contract timetables, the extension to 2029 means Makasini’s next major negotiation window would be after the 2029 season, unless an earlier option is exercised or extended again by the club.[9][3]
Would you like a quick side-by-side summary of Makasini’s contract milestones and a short timeline of his NRL appearances to date? I can also pull a few direct quotes from the Tigers’ announcement or related coverage.